Cody Rhodes is not phased by a recent electrifying return.
When all was said and done at WrestleMania 39, Roman Reigns remained the Undisputed Champion and a heartbroken Rhodes looked lost as to what would happen next. With the loss taking place due to Bloodline interference and with each Superstar on separate brands, many believed that the rematch would take place in Philadelphia one year on. However, in less than a year, the WWE landscape would change in a way that no one predicted.
At Survivor Series in November, CM Punk made his shock return to the company after nearly a decade away. While some predicted that a Punk vs. Reigns showdown may take place due to the mutual connection with Paul Heyman, Punk has made it clear that the championship he wants is currently held by Seth Rollins. Once again, Rhodes appeared destined to be in the marquee match in Philadelphia. Then Day 1 happened.
The special episode of WWE Raw on January 1st became a strong contender for one of the most important episodes of the show in 2024 as The Rock made his surprise return to WWE and ended his segment by saying that he would go out for food and sit at the head of the table. Referencing Reigns, the main event of WrestleMania appears up in the air once again. With Rock vs. Reigns now looking like a real possibility, what’s next for Rhodes?
Speaking with Sports Illustrated, The American Nightmare discussed the recent returns of CM Punk and The Rock. Acknowledging that both men are big names in wrestling, he will not be deterred on his quest to finish the story:
“The Rock is The Great One–he’s still electrifying. CM Punk is one of the greatest stars in the history of wrestling. I know what I’m up against. Look at the roster–it’s loaded with stars. But that doesn’t bother me. I’m not flinching. I’m not rooting against anyone else, I’m just working to make it happen.”
In 2023, Rhodes was the company’s Iron Man, wrestling 113 matches in the past year. Discussing the accolade, Rhodes stated that the heavy schedule has helped him improve:
“This job, it’s not like punching a clock. It’s a really fun movement with the fans. We’re really enjoying this moment that we’re having together. And I only get better with a heavy schedule. I’m able to be the best I’ve ever been because I’m doing it so frequently.”
“That confidence has really been snowballing. I hit milestones I didn’t anticipate. Beating Brock Lesnar twice, for example. I keep thinking, ‘What’s better than this?’ It’s the way each of those moments has connected with the fans. They’ve given me their trust. That has made me even more confident.”
Cody Rhodes Agrees To Unique Request
WrestleMania 40 will take place on the 6th and 7th of April 2024. While most of the roster will be taking part in media appearances and shows in the lead-up to the event, Rhodes has another event he needs to attend. While competing at a recent WWE Live Event, Cody Rhodes agreed to be the Best Man for a fan’s upcoming wedding 2 weeks before WrestleMania.